Ranking the Reds best options to bat ahead of Elly De La Cruz in 2026

The Cincinnati Reds lineup was a point of contention in 2025, and it's sure to be questioned early and often in 2026 as well. Reds manager Terry Francona has already gone on record saying TJ Friedl will be the team's leadoff hitter and Elly De La Cruz will bat third. But who'll hit between Friedl and De La Cruz has become the million dollar question heading into spring training.

Reds fans saw a myriad of players bat second in 2025. Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, Gavin Lux, and Matt McLain all had their bite at the apple, and yet, no one really stood out. Francona is dead-set on having a right-handed bat — or at least a hitter who excels against left-handed pitching — slotted into the No. 2 hole.

It's early, but the Reds need to fill that spot in the lineup with a productive bat that will make opposing managers pay for bringing in a lefty to face Friedl and De La Cruz. Let's look at some stats and break down which player might be best suited to hit second in the Reds' lineup heading into 2026.

Ranking the Reds best options to bat ahead of Elly De La Cruz in 2026

4. Noelvi Marte, Reds right fielder

In an ideal world, Marte would be Francona's top choice. Unfortunately, his record against left-handed pitching is rather putrid. For his career, Marte owns a .243/.299/.296 slash line against southpaws with a 64 wRC+. When you isolate his numbers to just last season (.232/.288/.274), they're even worse. Until Marte can prove that he can be effective against left-handed pitching, he shouldn't be in the conversation.

3. Matt McLain, Reds second baseman

McLain had his chance to solidify the No. 2 spot in the batting order last season and he failed miserably. But perhaps being two full years removed from shoulder surgery will allow the former first-rounder to return to the promising player he was in 2023. Nevertheless, after hitting .220/.300/.343 last season, McLain will have to prove himself during the regular season before receiving a ringing endorsement from Francona.

2. Spencer Steer, Reds infielder/ outfielder

The No. 2 spot in the Reds batting order could very easily go to Steer. Aside from De La Cruz, Steer was the team's best hitter in 2025, and his career splits against lefties (.257/.343/.456 with a 115 wRC+) definitely works in his favor. The issue with Steer, however, will be how much he actually plays in 2026. Though he's likely to be in the Reds' lineup a lot, one has to wonder how much time he'll be splitting in left field with the likes of Will Benson and JJ Bleday.

1. Sal Stewart, Reds infielder

Sandwiching De La Cruz between Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suárez might be the best way for Francona to maximize the Reds lineup in 2026. Stewart is the type of player who dares to meet the moment, and he hit .312/.411/.569 against left-handers in the minor leagues last season. If Stewart earns his keep — as most suspect he will — and becomes an everyday player, Francona might have no choice but to write the rookie's name ahead of De La Cruz on the lineup card.